You love to run.  You chase your sister around the house and spin in circles until you fall over.  You go romping up and down hills and climb the stairs without even holding on to anything.

You’re fast.  Especially when making a beeline toward mischief.  I’ve banned you from our bathroom but somehow you find your way in there to wreak havoc at every opportunity.  You cannot resist the kitchen cabinets – which, unfortunately, are ALL at your eye level.

You get an immense amount of glee out of stealing things, usually your sister’s favorite toys.  This morning it was my granola, which you acquired by bringing the bathroom stool into the kitchen and climbing up to steal the box off the counter.  “I stole it! Mama’s gahnola!” you informed your father as you rushed into the living room, digging your little paws into the box.

Your vocabulary has improved by leaps and bounds in the last 4 months.  You have your own way of phrasing things that makes it seem like English is your second language and has earned you the nickname “Little Yoda.” Your most frequent phrases include, “I drop it, my boppy” or “I stole it, Kaelin’s kitty,” or “I no like it, the beach.”

When you can’t quite express something that you want us to see, rather than your old method of (heaven help me) screaming at the top of your shrill little lungs, you now take our hand and lead us to it, saying “Come, I show you.”

The screaming hasn’t completely disappeared.  You are very possessive of things, regardless of whether or not they’re actually yours, and frequently let loose a shrill shriek when you think Kaelin is encroaching on your property or not sharing her things to your satisfaction.  “MINE” is a word you have learned very well and you use it often.

You’re still a good eater and will try nearly anything, then inform us whether “I like it” or “I no like it.”  Your favorite food is bacon, and sometimes you get so happy about it that you break out into a dance.  You also really love blueberries.  You and your sister can down 2 cartons of blueberries in a single sitting.

You’re not a huge fan of the beach anymore.  Ever since you were surprised by a wake wave a couple of months ago, you have been very anxious at the beach and want to turn around as soon as you can hear the water.

You have gotten noticeably better about boats though, and don’t seem to be bothered by the noise anymore.

You’re a total ham.  You make silly faces and try your best to be a total goofball at every opportunity.  A couple of days ago I was changing your diaper and asked you why you were (insert silly goofball antic that I can’t remember).  You smiled at me and said “‘Cause I silly.”

Yes, son.  That you are.

You love school.  Perhaps it’s because you can be in the same class as Kaelin or maybe it’s because they have guinea pigs, but there was no adjustment period of prying you off my leg during drop-off.  You love going and every time I pick you up you are happily busying yourself around the room.

I had prepared to write about your miraculous transition into (FINALLY!) sleeping through the night just before your 2nd birthday.  We had 3 good nights in a row this week.

And then you were up about 6 times last night.  So never mind on that.

You have gotten very particular about how your blanket is placed at night.  You insist on having the dark side facing upward – if it isn’t you complain, “Turn over” until we comply.

You have a sweet nature and are empathetic when other people get hurt.  When Kaelin fell off the bed and cried the other day, you practically smothered her with attention and “What happen, Kae’n?  What happen, Kae’n?”  Sometimes you get in trouble for hitting or playing too rough, and when we scold you and tell you that what you did wasn’t nice, you immediately offer “Hugs nice, kisses nice” and give a sweet hug and kiss.

You thoroughly enjoyed your birthday today.  Since we couldn’t go to Seldovia this weekend due to Daddo’s recent injury (more on that later), your Ana came to see you and you have thoroughly enjoyed having her around.  After a low-key morning and a nap, we all went to the park where you swung, climbed, slid, and ran around until you could hardly stand up anymore.

Then we came home for some good grilled food, followed by cake and presents.  You were a little unsure about the cake at first but warmed up to it pretty quickly.  At least, you warmed up to the frosting.  I don’t think you ever actually had any of the cake itself.  You enjoyed opening all your gifts and took to the books immediately, persuading your Ana to read them to you until your bedtime.

I am hopeful that tonight will turn out to be a good night for sleep after your big day.  Goodness knows we could both use it.

Happy Birthday, my little man.  You find new ways to make me smile each day, and I look forward to the next year with you.

Love,
Mama

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